- HMS Dragon, a Type 45 air defence destroyer, is being deployed to protect the British base in Cyprus.
- The warship's mission is to strengthen protection against drones and missiles launched by Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah.
- The need for enhanced protection was highlighted after a drone struck the RAF Akrotiri base on Cyprus earlier this week.
- Despite Defence Secretary John Healey's promise of swift action, HMS Dragon is not expected to depart Portsmouth until early next week.
- The Ministry of Defence has not officially commented on the timing of the departure, but reports indicate the vessel will sail next week, with the journey to Cyprus taking several days.
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